Warning: do not eat a whole batch of anything by yourself - you must use moderation :)

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Zone-Paleo

So I've recently jumped on the Zone-Paleo bandwagon and have LOVED every second of it! I am not bloated- I have energy ALL DAY (without drinking coffee or taking a nap) I get better sleep at night and believe it or not (most of the time) my emotions are under control! Whoop! So here is a little bit about Zone-Paleo I thought I would share. (found from Livestrong.com)

There are a number of
diets on the market today and if you are like most people, you have
tried your hand at a few of them. If you are currently a member of the
Crossfit community, then you have likely been introduced to the Paleo
Diet or the Zone Diet. Many athletes combine the two dietary programs,
modifying certain methods and principles from each to form what is now
known as the Paleo Zone Diet.

What is the Paleo Zone Diet?

The
development of the Paleo Diet is based on extensive research that
examined the types and quantities of foods our hunter-gatherer ancestors
ate. According to Dr. Loren Cordain, author of the book "The Paleo
Diet," the goal is to consume the same types of unprocessed foods that
our ancestors did prior to the Agricultural Revolution.

The Zone Diet is a nutrition program that was popularized by biochemist
Dr. Barry Sears. It suggests that there are a specific number of
macronutrients that our bodies need for optimal health and performance.

The Paleo Zone diet combines the two by restricting the types of foods
you are allowed to eat to those consumed in the Paleo diet, while using
the ratio outlined in the Zone diet.

Dietary Guidelines for Paleo

In
his book, Dr. Cordain advocates the consumption of whole foods such as
lean cuts of meat, seafood, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables only. He
asserts that the introduction of grains and legumes into the human diet
also led to the introduction of modern diseases such as obesity,
diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Concepts Borrowed from the Zone

Many
athletes eat Paleo foods while incorporating a few of the Zone diet
principles created by Dr. Sears. Consuming a ratio of 40 percent
carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 30 percent fat allows the
carbohydrates that are taken in to be released into the bloodstream at a
much slower rate, thereby providing you with a fuel or energy source
when needed. In addition, less insulin is released into the body, which
means less fat is stored and more body fat can be burned.
The proteins and fats that are eaten come from lean cuts of meat and
healthy oils, while the carbohydrates come largely from vegetables.

Potential Benefits

The
carbohydrates allowed on this diet have a low rating on the glycemic
index. According to the Mayo Clinic, these foods will gradually increase
your body's blood sugar and insulin levels rather than causing a rapid
increase or change. The American Dietetic Association states that
excessive insulin and high blood sugar levels can lead to the
development of a cluster of diseases known as Syndrome X. This disease
is a combination of obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2
diabetes and gout. In turn, the high levels of fiber, protein and
omega-3 fatty acids found in The Paleo Diet will help to prevent
Syndrome X diseases.